»Know Your Rights
Congratulations on your internship offer! This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience and develop a clear understanding
of your chosen career’s requirements and opportunities.
An internship should be an invaluable experience. Make sure yours is the best it can
be by being aware of your rights and the rights of the company, too.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Take Primary Beneficiary Test for Unpaid Interns
Courts have used the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether an intern or student is, in fact, an employee under the FLSA. In short, this test allows courts to examine the “economic reality” of the intern-employer
relationship to determine which party is the “primary beneficiary” of the relationship.
Review the Fact Sheet for Internship Programs on the US Department of Labor website to view the test for unpaid interns and students.
If you are not learning, feel uncomfortable or know that what’s being asked of you
is not appropriate, take the following steps:
- Make sure you’re safe. Determine the best course of action and leave the internship
site, if necessary.
- Notify your Facility Advisor and Chapman University’s Internship Coordinator and/or explore the Policies Regarding Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct.
Internships are exciting opportunities! Take ownership of yours.
- Set goals and identify ways to stay motivated
- Read all internship emails to ensure you meet applicable deadlines
- Always be on time to the work site
- Complete all assignments from your Site Supervisor andFaculty Advisor
- Maintain a professional attitude and appearance
- Comply with the organization’s rules and regulations
- Stay in communication with your Faculty Advisor throughout the semester
- Ask your Site Supervisor and Faculty Advisor for feedback throughout your internship
